Love is Vodka, A Shot Ain't Enough by Amit Shankar transcends the typical narrative of a young girl seeking adventure and falling in love. It invites readers to immerse themselves in a passionate and sensual journey, enriched by the intricately portrayed emotions of its female protagonist, all conveyed through a captivating storyline.
The protagonist, Moon, represents a modern teenage girl who defies conventional expectations. She understands that life is not merely a series of beautiful moments, largely influenced by her mother, who has challenged societal norms by raising her as a single parent in a country where such circumstances are often stigmatized. Moon's existence is further complicated by her mother's past, which includes a relationship with a married French diplomat who returned to his family upon learning of her pregnancy.
The narrative revolves around the complex emotions of Moon, a talented and striking young woman who relies on her intellect despite being surrounded by the wealth and success of her mother, Payal Malik, a prominent television news anchor. Despite the privileges she enjoys, Moon feels an emptiness within, longing for the affection and attention of a father figure. Although she has a good relationship with her biological father, whom she has never met in person, their connection is maintained through online communication, where he expresses his love through gifts and messages.
As she navigates her romantic life, Moon finds herself in a relationship with an aspiring businessman, yet the concept of love remains elusive. Her understanding of love is further complicated when she enters into a live-in relationship with her much older boss, who also happens to be her mother's partner. The situation becomes even more intricate as she gains fame through a significant modeling opportunity, propelling her into the spotlight and altering her life dramatically.
A conflict ignites within her mind, intertwining her intellect and empathy regarding various topics, leading her to explore a range of romantic experiences both online and offline. Social media serves as the foundation for her tumultuous love life, resembling a kaleidoscope of her romantic connections, many of which are influenced by Facebook interactions with the singular partner she identifies amidst a sea of emotions, referred to as 'Vodka.' This intoxicating mixture shapes and disrupts her experiences in every conceivable way.
Moon frequently seeks guidance from her closest companion, 'logic,' whenever the fairy-tale notion of love deceives her, prompting her to engage in actions that do not align well with the expectations of those around her. She navigates the path toward a successful career, yet love often eludes her, leading to disheartening and unfortunate moments that fail to bring her the affection and fulfillment she desires. A series of unfortunate decisions tests her resilience, but despite being knocked down, she consistently emerges victorious.
It took Moon some time to discover genuine love, akin to the way one might savor small sips of Vodka to grasp its true essence. The outcome is sudden and profoundly uplifting, particularly as a once-immature girl, content in her own skin, reveals her growth when she finally encounters authentic love.
Elegantly presented and succinctly summarized, the book is an easy read that compels the reader to keep turning the pages to uncover what happens next. The plot is unique, featuring a bold and clever narrative filled with exquisite and grandiose prose, alongside enchanting and whimsical dialogues.
With a brisk pace and an immensely captivating storyline, this book is a must-read for anyone truly in love or aspiring to be, embarking on an invigorating journey to experience love like never before.
